Bean Bag Game

ABSTRACT

A system includes a game board having a plurality of target areas thereon, each of the plurality of target areas having a score associated therewith. The system further includes a plurality of bean bags comprising a first set and a second set, the first set visually distinguishable from the second set, a plurality of securing means to secure the game board, and a container for carrying the game board, the plurality of bean bags and the plurality of securing means.

PRIORITY STATEMENT

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/439,817, filed Dec. 28, 2016, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to games. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a bean bag game system.

BACKGROUND

Bean bag games are widely used. In one common scenario, a player throws bean bags into a hole cut out of a board. This game is sometimes known as bean bag toss game or a cornhole game. Despite the popularity of such games problems remain.

One such problem is that the size of the boards is unwieldly making it difficult to store or transport the game. Another problem is that such games may not be fun for all levels of players as the ability to throw a bean bag into a hole may be too challenging to retain a player's interest. Therefore, what is needed is an improved bean bag game which is enjoyable and entertaining for participants but does not have the same issues as bean bag toss games or cornhole games with unwieldly boards.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve over the state of the art.

It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a game that is fun to play.

It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a game that may be played outdoors.

Another object, feature, or advantage is to provide a game which includes bean bag tosses but does not require use of a bulky board which is difficult to ship, store, carry, setup or otherwise use.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage is to provide a bean bag toss game which appeals to players of all different skill levels.

One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims that follow. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. Different embodiments may have different objects, features, or advantages. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to or by an objects, features, or advantages stated herein.

According to one aspect, a system includes a game board having a plurality of target areas thereon, each of the plurality of target areas having a score associated therewith. The system further includes a plurality of bean bags comprising a first set and a second set, the first set visually distinguishable from the second set, a plurality of securing means to secure the game board, and a container for carrying the game board, the plurality of bean bags and the plurality of securing means.

According to another aspect, a system includes a game board having a plurality of target areas thereon, each of the plurality of target areas having a score associated therewith, the game board formed from a fabric material and having a plurality of grommets therein. The system further includes a plurality of bean bags comprising a first set and a second set, the first set visually distinguishable from the second set. The system further includes a plurality of pegs for securing the game board to ground, and a bag for carrying the game board, the plurality of bean bags and the plurality of pegs.

According to another aspect, a method for playing a game includes steps of providing a system comprising a game board having a plurality of target areas thereon, each of the plurality of target areas having a score associated therewith, a plurality of bean bags comprising a first set and a second set, the first set visually distinguishable from the second, scoring the bean bag game by recording point values for each throw of one of the plurality of bean bags based on the target area upon which the one of the plurality of the bean bags lands, and determining a winner based on the scoring.

According to yet another aspect a system includes a game board formed of a pliable material having a plurality of target areas thereon, each of the plurality of target areas having a score associated therewith and a plurality of bean bags comprising a first set and a second set, the first set visually distinguishable from the second set.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached figures, which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a system for a bean bag toss game.

FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a game board area in the form of a fabric game board with a bullseye target.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a corner of a fabric game board area with a grommet and canvas edges.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a score card.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate one example of an instruction card.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a bean bag game, with one embodiment to be known as the BEAN BAG BULLSEYE. The bean bag game is advantageous over bean bag games which use an unwieldly board with holes. Instead, a game board is provided which includes a target and is preferably formed from fabric or other pliable materials. FIG. 1 illustrates one example of one embodiment of a BEAN BAG BULLSEYE game 10 with a game board 12. The game board 12 may be of any number of different sizes and shapes. As best shown in FIG. 2, the game board is preferably made from a fabric material. The corners of the fabric material may be reinforced with grommets 34. As best shown in FIG. 4, the sides may have canvas edging. It is to be understood, however, that the game board may be formed from other pliable materials such as plastic, vinyl, and the like. The game board may be of any number of different sizes or shapes. In one embodiment, the game board may be square in shape having dimensions of 55 inches by 55 inches. Of course, other shapes and sizes are contemplated.

In operation, a user demonstrates their bean bag tossing skills by tossing a bag to land on particular target areas. Different target areas may have different point values associated therewith. As best shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the game board 12 may comprise a bullseye target 30 with the center or bullseye 32 having a highest point value and concentric rings having increasingly smaller point values. It is to be further understood, however, that that any number of different designs for the target area may be used. For example, the board may replicate those of traditional bean bag toss games with one or more areas designated as holes. Alternatively, multiple bullseye targets may be present, or any number of different visual depictions which identify target areas in one form or another.

Returning to FIG. 1, a game 10 may include the game board or target 12 as well as securing means 16 to secure the target to the ground such as stakes, pegs, weights, ties, or other securing means. In one embodiment, four separate pegs are included. In operation, one peg may be used on each corner of the target to secure it in place. As previously mentioned, the game board or target 12 may have grommets 34 to assist in facilitating securement of the game board or target 12 with the pegs or other securing means 16. The pegs (or other securing means) may be placed within a small carry bag 18 when not in use to protect against the pegs poking through a bag or other container and/or to maintain the pegs or other securing means together and to make them easier to find and/or more difficult to lose.

A game 10 may also include a set of bean bags 14. Preferably a first subset of the set of bean bags are of a first color and a second subset of the set of bean bags are of a second color, the second color different than the first color. For example, the set of bean bags 14 may include three green bean bags and three blue bean bags. Of course, other numbers may be used. In addition, instead of the bean bags having solid colors they may have different designs or are otherwise visually distinguishable. It is also to be understood that although the term “bean bag” is used, each “bean bag” need not actually have beans within it. The term “bean bag” should be understood to mean a sealed bag which may have dried beans or other organic materials, PVC pellets, expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene, or other materials. The bag itself may be made from fabric or other suitable materials.

The target 12, the securing means 16 and carry case 18, the bean bags 14, and other items may be placed in a carry bag 24. The carry bag 24 may be of any number of different sizes or shapes. In one embodiment, the carry bag may be sling backpack style of bag. In another embodiment, the carry bag may be a drawstring style of bag. Of course, any number of other types of bags may be used. Alternatively, instead of a bag, other types of containers may be used to hold the various items such as a box, case, bucket, or other container.

A score card 20 may be provided for the game. The score card may include space to record a score associated with each toss of a bean bag by each player. The score card may also provide for tracking multiple rounds of play. For example, the scorecard may provide for tracking up to three rounds of play for two players (or sets of players), one playing with a set of three “Green” bean bags and one playing with a set of three “Blue” bean bags. Of course, other numbers of bean bags, numbers of rounds, numbers of players, and further variations are contemplated. FIG. 4 illustrates the score card 20 in more detail.

Returning to FIG. 1, an instruction card 22 may also be provided such as shown. The instruction card 22 may set forth instructions regarding preparation or game play. The instruction card 22 may include information such as suggestions for the type of surface to place the target on, securing the target in place, how far to stand away from the target, as well as the basics of game play such as having each play take turns and scoring after all bean bags have been thrown. The manner of scoring the situation where a bean bag touches multiple target areas may also be provided for (e.g. scoring with the higher point value). The instructions may also provide for how to resolve ties or other rules as may be appropriate for different embodiments. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate one example of an instruction card in more detail.

In one example of game play, after the target 12 is positioned and/or secured, game play may begin. Players stand back from the target and each player may take turns tossing one bean bag at a time onto the target. After all bags are tossed the score card may be used to record the results with the score value of each bean bag being the highest value that the bean bag touches. The points for each player is totaled for the round and the round is repeated. The player that wins 2 of 3 rounds may be considered the winner. Of course, any number of different variations in game play may be made based in part on the target areas on the target, the number of bean bags, the number of players, and other variations.

Therefore, a bean bag toss game has been shown and described. The invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein. In particular, the invention contemplates numerous variations in the board or target area, the number of bean bags, the visual appearance of bean bags, the rules of the game, the manner in which scoring is performed, the manner in which the game board is secured, and other variations. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects are considered included in the invention. The description is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the invention. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a game board having a plurality of target areas thereon, each of the plurality of target areas having a score associated therewith; a plurality of bean bags comprising a first set and a second set, the first set visually distinguishable from the second set; a plurality of securing means to secure the game board; a container for carrying the game board, the plurality of bean bags and the plurality of securing means.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the game board is formed from a fabric material.
 3. The system of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of grommets in the game board.
 4. The system of claim 3 further comprising reinforced edging along edges of the fabric material.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the plurality of target areas are concentric rings arranged to form a bullseye.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the securing means comprise pegs for securing the game board to ground.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the container is a bag.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein the bag is a drawstring bag.
 9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a score card.
 10. A system, comprising: a game board having a plurality of target areas thereon, each of the plurality of target areas having a score associated therewith, the game board formed from a fabric material and having a plurality of grommets therein; a plurality of bean bags comprising a first set and a second set, the first set visually distinguishable from the second set; a plurality of pegs for securing the game board to ground; a bag for carrying the game board, the plurality of bean bags and the plurality of pegs.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein the bag is a drawstring bag.
 12. The system of claim 11 further comprising a score card for recording point values associated with tossing of the plurality of bean bags at the game board.
 13. The system of claim 12 further comprising an instruction guide for instructing a player.
 14. The system of claim 10 further comprising a bullseye target positioned on the game board, the bullseye target having a plurality of concentric rings, each of the plurality of concentric rings being one of the plurality of the target areas.
 15. The system of claim 10 wherein the game board further comprising canvas edging.
 16. A method for a bean bag game, the method comprising: providing a system comprising a game board having a plurality of target areas thereon, each of the plurality of target areas having a score associated therewith, a plurality of bean bags comprising a first set and a second set, the first set visually distinguishable from the second; scoring the bean bag game by recording point values for each throw of one of the plurality of bean bags based on the target area upon which the one of the plurality of the bean bags lands; and determining a winner based on the scoring.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the game board is formed from a fabric material. 